Where do we start our curly hair journey? Well, if you have made it this far, it means you have decided – or are close to deciding – to wear your curls natural and that you are no longer considering using heat or relaxers. But where to begin?
There are a couple of questions I get asked often enough in my socials: Which products should I use? How do I use them? Where should I start? That is what I am about to write today:
My Favorite Products for Beginners in the Curly Hair Journey
Kinky Curly Knot Today Leave in Conditioner:
Its purpose is to detangle and condition your hair right after you have washed it. This is easily my favorite product in the whole world. It is my holy grail that I use religiously up to this day to keep my hair happy and hydrated.
Kinky Curly Curling Custard:
Its purpose is to give definition to your curls and make them last for more than one day. You first apply the leave in conditioner, then you apply a small amount of curling custard to your hand and glide your fingers through your hair while shaking them ever so slightly.
Kinky Curly Come Clean Shampoo:
Its purpose is to cleanse your scalp – and your scalp only. The right way to shampoo your hair is important when you have curly hair. Do not bunch up your hair on top of the head, because this causes tangles. Instead, massage the regular amount of shampoo you would normally use on your scalp and, if you can, get a shampoo brush to help with the process of cleansing your scalp. The hair strands will be cleansed by the foam as you rinse your hair. There is no set frequency of washing, but I recommend using this shampoo no more often than once a week to keep the scalp clean. If you wash more frequently, I can recommend other shampoos than you can use more often. Just leave me a comment!
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Masque:
The purpose of deep conditioning is to intensely moisturize and strenghten your hair. Apply the Masque right after the shampoo or conditioner (optional but highly recommended) and leave it on for 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how dry your hair feels. I recommend starting with 30 minutes and increase the time on the next wash day, if your hair still feels too dry.
Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Conditioner:
Its purpose is to detangle and prepare the hair for the Deep Conditioner. Apply it right after the shampoo, and detangle using a tangle teezer. Divide your hair into four sections, and detangle each section by starting at the ends and working your way toward the roots.
I hope this post has been helpful in getting you started with a few essentials for your curly hair routine. The process of finding the right product is a little more complex than one single shopping list, but we have to start somewhere, right?
These are all products that I regularly use and that I have been using for years without any problems. I find them ideal for any beginner in the curly hair journey.
Just remember that each curly head is different. What works perfectly for me might not work for you, and that is perfectly normal. The more you know your hair, the better your chances are to find the right product for you on your own. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave me a comment.
XOXO
Sakura
The Hair Lab 